Back in early July, I did a Wordless Wednesday post on a Manx farm cat named Sassy. She lives at a You Pick blueberry farm we have frequented for years.
Wednesday we visited for our last picking of the year, and I have some more pictures to share with you. This time, unlike last time, I was able to get some with her face.
This tailless trait, sadly, can lead to something called Manx syndrome – a collection of
birth defects showing up in kittenhood that can include urinary tract problems and a shortened spine, or even spina bifuda. Cats
with Manx syndrome rarely live beyond three or four years, I've read. Some
also have issues with their eyes. There is a lot of discussion online about the ethics of continuing to breed this type of cat as a result.
This cat is well loved, and friendly. It's in a good farm home, where it can exercise the breed's skill as great mousers.
Reading more about the breed, I'm of mixed feelings, If the tailless trait was bred out, would they no longer have the problems such as Manx syndrome caused by the shortened spine? They don't seem to have balance problems with the lack of a tail, but there is Manx syndrome to consider. Also, cats communicate with their tails.
But, with a tail, would we humans still desire them?
Sassy, you have led me to educate myself more about your breed.
Personally, I would not breed any animal with a defect and many Manx kittens die before or shortly after birth. They are beautiful, but would be just as beautiful with a tail. The only naturally short-tailed domestic cat is the Japanese bobtail, I think. No, just looked them up and I'm wrong. They also have a genetic mutation like the Manx cats.
ReplyDeleteSweet kitty! I’ve heard of Manx cats, but I didn’t know about the problems.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many problems in certain dog breeds, and people continue to breed to accentuate certain attributes that cause the problems. It's inhumane. People who don't know a thing about the genetics breed their cats and dogs to the detriment of the litters. I'm thinking of the lethal white syndrome (dogs, horses, Guinea pigs, for three) from breeding two merle dogs together because merles are the "prettiest." Manx syndrome sounds painful. Of course, I will assume many breeders just euthanize the kittens who may have it. Or, sell to unsuspecting buyers who will pay the price at the vets and in heartbreak.
ReplyDeleteShe's a beautiful calico.
ReplyDeleteShe’s beautiful. She’s happy and healthy.
ReplyDeleteBut I do wonder about cats with Manx Syndrome.
...the Manx cat breed looks like an interesting "calico."
ReplyDeleteSo glad the cat warmed up to you this time. I don't think it's good to breed for traits that are problematic.
ReplyDeleteAll the cats I've seen in my life have been the long-tailed variety and typical grays, whites and blacks. Tail or no tail, that calico is gorgeous in itself.
ReplyDeletethecontemplativecat here. Sad that she will have a short life filled with love. Our daughter's dog Lucy is a mix of pitbull, lab, and...she has some hip problems, which w ill be expensive. Lucy is a huge dog, about 85 lbs.
ReplyDelete